Voltage Regulation via Reactive Power Modulation in Distribution Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low voltage distribution systems, maintaining an admissible voltage range is challenging without additional communication infrastructure between distributed inverters, which complicates voltage regulation and can lead to overvoltages.
Innovation Solution
A method where a node transitions from a slave mode to a master mode to regulate voltage by drawing or feeding reactive power, using an indicator signal pattern proportional to the reactive power amplitude to coordinate voltage adjustments with other nodes, eliminating the need for additional communication infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional communication infrastructure is added between distributed inverters to enable voltage regulation coordination, then voltage regulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the power lines themselves as an intermediary communication medium. The master node modulates reactive power signals that propagate through the power lines to slave nodes, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure. This resolves the contradiction by using an existing infrastructure (power lines) to carry both power and control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The power lines serve dual functions: transmitting electrical power and carrying control signals for voltage regulation. By making the power lines multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate communication infrastructure while still enabling coordinated voltage regulation across distributed nodes.
2Measurement precision
If voltage regulation is performed by local continuous alternation at each node using inverters, then voltage control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the master node continuously monitors voltage at its location and adjusts reactive power accordingly. Slave nodes receive modulated signals and adjust their reactive power to assist the master node's voltage regulation effort, creating a distributed feedback system without requiring complex communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node monitors its own local voltage conditions and automatically adjusts its reactive power output based on received signals. The system is self-regulating, with nodes independently making adjustments based on the modulated reactive power signals from the master node, eliminating the need for centralized control or complex communication networks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If infrastructure expansion is implemented to maintain admissible voltage range, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing infrastructure by enabling reactive power exchange at distributed nodes. Instead of expanding physical infrastructure, the system adjusts voltage stability by dynamically controlling reactive power flow through modulated signals, achieving voltage stabilization through parameter optimization rather than infrastructure expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical infrastructure expansion (mechanical approach) with electronic control of reactive power flow. By using modulated reactive power signals to regulate voltage, the system substitutes electrical control mechanisms for physical infrastructure changes, reducing complexity and implementation time while maintaining voltage stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for effective voltage regulation within the admissible range without additional communication, simplifying the system and reducing complexity by enabling nodes to assist in voltage correction based on modulated reactive power signals.
Implementation Method 1
a node that has switched to a master mode MB modulates reactive power Q that it draws from or feeds to the distribution system VN with an indicator signal pattern ASM
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the closed-loop control of a voltage in a distribution network that supplies nodes with voltage via mains power lines. A node, which recognizes that the local voltage of the distribution network present at the node lies above or below a permissible supply voltage range, switches from slave mode to master mode and in the master mode regulates the local voltage that is present, by drawing or supplying reactive power in order to reach the permissible supply voltage range. The node then indicates this to other nodes of the distribution network that are in slave mode by modulating an indication signal pattern onto the reactive power being drawn or supplied by the node. The signal pattern has a signal parameter which is proportional to the amplitude of the reactive power that is drawn or supplied by the node.